Rowan Digital Infrastructure pursues final planned data center in Temple amid community opposition
Rowan Digital Infrastructure is pursuing its final planned data center, the LaSalle building, in Temple, Texas, amidst community opposition. A local group, Temple Stands Together, is protesting the projects and calling for a statewide moratorium, following a statement from Governor Abbott. The LaSalle building still requires city council approval.
Rowan Digital Infrastructure is moving forward with its sixth and final planned data center project in Temple, Texas, known as the LaSalle building. This project is part of a larger initiative called "Project Temple," which already has two buildings under construction after receiving approval in 2025. The LaSalle building's development was previously delayed due to the city's need for the original land for a landfill extension.
Local activist Elena Voitko, a member of the group Temple Stands Together, has been actively protesting these data center projects. She expresses frustration that the city council and mayor consistently approve such developments without heeding community concerns, despite record shows. Voitko's group is advocating for state leaders to intervene, hoping to halt further construction and implement protective regulations.
Texas Governor Abbott recently issued a statement proposing a moratorium and audits on data centers. While Voitko acknowledges this as a positive step towards dialogue, she emphasizes the need for a special legislative session to enact a full "freeze moratorium" on all data center projects. She calls for the establishment of rules and regulations to safeguard "humanity, the people, our future, and our resources."
Rowan Digital Infrastructure representatives highlight the company's significant existing investment in Temple, including construction jobs and financial contributions. They state that the decision to pause the LaSalle building to accommodate the city's landfill needs reflects their long-term commitment and values. The LaSalle building, once approved, will add to this continued investment and represents a practical approach to aligning development with community needs. The project still requires final approval from the Temple City Council before construction can commence.